Happy Feet by Richard Michelson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Harcourt, 2005). A celebration of a father-son relationship and of the Savoy, told from the point of view of a young boy born the day “the earth’s hottest, coolest, most magnificient, superdeluxe dancing palace” opened for the first time. Includes an author’s note detailing more history of “Harlem’s most famous dance club” as well as brief biographies of some of its most prominent figures. Ages 4-up.

My Thoughts

I instantly pick up any book illustrated by E.B. Lewis. His titles include When You Were Born by Dianna Hutts Aston and Faraway Home by Jane Kurtz.

In this market, it’s a rare treat to see an African American father-son story, especially one with historical resonance.

Cynsational News & Links

Kristi Gerner: illustrator of more than 20 published children’s books. Her latest book “It’s Bedtime, Joshua!” can be purchased at Trafford. Many of her books, including a nursery rhyme series, were published by Seedling Publications and are available on the publisher’s website. Kristi also has samples of her fashion illustration, graphic design, and web design on her Candleflame Designs Web site. She lives in College Station, Texas.

Letters to NBC: New Trends in Teen Fiction: Racy Reads: scroll for 2002 Newbery winner Linda Sue Park‘s response to the recent NBC coverage of YA literature.

Writing Dynamo: Jane Yolen has published more than 300 Books but She’s Got Plenty More Stories To Tell by Karen Springen from Newsweek. Jane comments on her own work as well as that by J.K. Rowling and celebrity authors. Check out the related Blog Talk. See also Jane’s thoughts on reader mail generated by this article.